In many cases, on a global scale, alcohol abuse and domestic violence link. It is found that in a large proportion of domestic abuse cases, alcohol is consumed to high quantities, causing a change in behaviour.
Although there isn’t a direct correlation between both alcohol abuse and domestic violence, meaning that every individual experiencing addiction aren’t at risk of abusive behaviours, alcohol is a common theme in sexual assault, domestic violence and abusive relationships.
With this in mind, it is important to understand how alcohol consumption can lead to a change in behaviour, potentially leaning towards violence.
If you’re currently abusing alcohol, and hope to reduce your consumption levels, get in touch with our specialists here at Cassiobury Court; offering addiction treatment and guidance from our leading rehab centre. If you’re concerned that mental health or behavioural issues may be developing, whether alcohol is present, or not, it’s important to reach out.
How alcohol abuse links to domestic violence?
In a high level of cases, when looking at previous research, alcohol abuse is noted in domestic violence incidents. Although this doesn’t suggest that those suffering with alcoholism are violent or aggressive, it does support the behavioural changes possible through alcohol abuse.
For some individuals, paranoia may be experienced. For others, depression may be felt. And for others, anger and violence may increase. All of these behavioural changes will usually be down to the chemical imbalance in the brain, caused by alcohol. Although this in no way justifies or excuses domestic violence, alcohol is known to change outlooks, perceptions, judgment and behaviour.
With this in mind, it is concerning when great levels of alcohol are abused. It’s also concerning how intoxicated some individuals can become, resulting in psychological impairment and change. This can be very difficult for those witnessing alcohol consumption, commonly promoting a ‘walking on eggshells’ feeling.
Although behavioural characteristics change, mental health issues can develop and the desire of power and control can increase, due to intoxication, alcohol abuse and domestic violence do not always influence one another.
The link between behavioural characteristics
One of the biggest links between alcohol abuse and domestic violence are a number of behavioural characteristics. In this instance, common behaviours, present in both forms of abuse, showcase the correlation.
Minimisation is one key behavioural characteristic experienced in both alcohol abuse and domestic violence. In both cases, individuals presenting abusive behaviours attempt to minimise the issue at hand. Whether that’s downplaying their alcohol consumption, or placing blame on their partner, accountability is minimised.
A further connected behavioural characteristic is denial. Again, individuals will continuously deny their behaviour, deflecting responsibility. For alcohol abusers, again, consumption will be denied. For those experiencing violent tendencies, alcohol will be used as a cover up to cloud the aggressive behaviour.
Finally, underlying psychological experiences, causing chaotic and emotion-led behaviour are linked between both forms of abuse. This is where the concern for alcohol motivated violence increases, using power, control and aggression as a coping mechanism to overcome or resolve an issue; similarly, when using alcohol as a coping strategy.
However, it is important to remember that although common behavioural characteristics are present, a direct link isn’t fully available. A risk of domestic abuse will not increase if alcohol has been consumed, offering a limited cause-and-effect relationship. Yet, the effects of alcohol can trigger behavioural characteristics.
Internal and external impacts fuelling domestic violence
Although many will argue that alcohol is a key driving impact fuelling domestic violence and abusive relationships, there are further internal and external factors progressing behaviours.
Abuse, violence and aggression are all learnt behaviours. They have been witnessed over time. For some individuals, this may have even been experienced personally. This is a key external factor that can carry on the pattern of domestic violence. Engrained into the mind as a coping mechanism, individuals may justify aggressive behaviour as a crutch. The common denominator with violence is that those behaviours or distressing memories can trigger alcohol abuse; supporting a cause-and-effect relationship. Yet, the consumption of alcohol will not teach individuals to act abusively.
Domestic violence can also be motivated by external situations and internal psychological issues. This can be the driving force of violence, adapting behavioural characteristics. From cheating scandals, to deeply engrained jealousy, these are the key issues driving domestic violence, not alcohol.
With this in mind, there are further factors which link higher with domestic violence. Although alcohol abuse can fuel the confidence and irresponsibility to act violently, alcohol abuse itself will not act as the underlying motivator of domestic violence.
Opening up for either alcohol abuse or domestic violence
Although this step is very difficult to take for most, if you’re experiencing alcohol abuse or uncontrollable psychological behaviour, it is important to open up and reach out for support.
In both cases of abuse, underlying psychological issues can be the driving causation. Sometimes the trigger can be completely unrelated, making it difficult for you to pinpoint. With this in mind, completing psychologically driven treatment programs will be recommended, helping to reduce behavioural characteristics and ongoing habits.
Here at Cassiobury Court, we are specialists in the field of addiction and mental health recovery. We offer both physical and psychological treatment options, helping to treat and cure individuals with addiction and behavioural issues.
For alcohol abuse, a number of treatment options will be offered, including an alcohol detox, therapy sessions and cognitive behavioural therapy. For those suffering with domestic violence, psychologically driven treatment, with a large focus on therapy will be promoted. Without taking this step, there is a risk of increasing the association between alcohol abuse and domestic violence. With this in mind, we recommend acting now, before potential is present for behavioural issues to develop.
Although alcohol is commonly associated with violence, known to impair judgment, decisions, perceptions, behaviour and control, a constant link isn’t present. Please be reassured that if you do experience alcohol abuse, domestic abuse isn’t a probability. Yet, if any internal or external factors fester, combined with high quantities of alcohol, violent tendencies may develop.
Avoid this by understanding the severity of both alcohol abuse and domestic violence.
